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VERONIQUE (JANUARY 1950) |
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There is no doubt that the growing popularity of the Society's performances was partly due to their versatility. From the virile robustness of "The Vagabond King" they turned to a very beautiful and amusing French opera "Veronique". It was gay, colourful, and had many delightful musical numbers, yet provided scope for the brilliant humour of Bob Halls in the character of Seraphin the Groom. Probably the most popular memory of the show was when he alone was on the stage and everyone's attention was focused on the way in which he walked erect, debonair and handsome in satin coat and knee breeches, in strict time to the staccato music, never uttering a word, but just rolling his eyes in a rogueish manner which captivated the hearts of all the ladies. Here was a part in which he could exploit his grand sense of fun to the full. |
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To match Bob's splendid acting there was also a very moving performance by Marjorie Brace as Countess Ermerance. She wore a rich satin gown and sparkling tiara, and held a large white ostrich feather fan. She sang "Garden of Love" with such richness of tone and beauty that it demanded an encore. The Ladies of the Court were grouped around her, wearing low-cut evening gowns and coronets of three white feathers. Not being used to this kind of head-gear one of the ladies put hers on back to front at the dress rehearsal, and the Producer called out "You look like an Indian squaw, where's your wigwam?" |
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In order to reduce costs some of the first act costumes and props were made by the members, and many very happy evenings were spent at The Forge making lace caps, paper flowers, bonnets etc. Ken - an ever budding Balenciaga - produced some astonishing ballet dresses from triangular bandages and dyed nylon stockings which the wearers were almost too petrified to pirouette in. Before the next show, however, they were assured that these ingenuous wisps had been disposed of. |
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A very attractive number from this was the Swing Song sung by Phyllis Knight and Robby. One night, as Phyllis was swinging gently, one of the ropes nearly came asunder, and very few people knew that as Robby stood behind looking down at her, he was holding on desperately to the damaged rope as they sang "Swing high, Swing low, the way they set Wedding Bells ringing you know" This was also the first show for which perruquiers were engaged, which must have added consderably to the beauty of the cast. |
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DORIS SEAMAN |
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EDITOR'S NOTE |
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A review in one of the local papers described this as “a first class musical show which deserved more support by the general public”. |